David Burris, Sr., 79, of Athens, TN, died Friday, July 28, 2017 in Manchester, TN.

The son of the late Boskey Fred and Mayme Ruth Gentry Burris, he was born and raised in Calhoun, Tennessee, and was of the Baptist faith. He was an US Air Force veteran, serving from 1955-1959. He graduated from the LSU School of Banking and worked in banking for 22 years, for both McMinn County Savings and Loan and First National Bank of Athens, Tennessee. He was a member and Past-President of the Athens Lions Club, and in 1978, he founded the Western Sizzlin' Restaurant in Athens, Tennessee.

A private pilot with commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings, he also used that training in his service as an Angel Flights Pilot for cancer patients. He loved gardening, traveling, deep sea fishing, and making friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Burris and brother, Gene Burris.

He is survived by his children, David & Julie Burris, Jr. and Michelle Burris; grandchildren, Trae (Catherine) Burris, Jenna Burris, Nate Matthew, Tristan Matthew, and Ethan Matthew; sister, Joyce Burris Phillips; nephews, Stacey Phillips and Billy Phillips.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2017 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Central time at Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Avenue, South Pittsburg, Tennessee.

Visitation will also be held on Monday, July 31, 2017 at Ziegler Funeral Home, 521 W Madison Ave, Athens, Tennessee, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time, with funeral services beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment with military honors will follow at Meadow Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, 218 County Road 753, Riceville, Tennessee.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.